The total number of identified smart city projects has grown to 235 today from 170 in the third quarter of 2013, according to a new report from Navigant Research.
“The expansion of smart city projects is happening not only in terms of the quantity of projects being developed, but also in relation to the level and variety of integration being pursued,” says Ryan Citron, research analyst with Navigant Research.
“This expansion is expected to increase as governments continue to recognize the tremendous associated benefits of smart cities, including improved economic opportunity, sustainability, and quality of life,” Citron added.
City leaders, central government ministries, and technology and service suppliers have announced a range of new smart city initiatives, incentives, and product and service offerings, while more cities are moving from one specific technology interest to a broader range of solutions that have multiple applications.
Investment in technologies and policies such as smart grids, networked light-emitting diode (LED) street lights, urban mobility, climate action plans, open data platforms, water management, and smart parking systems represent a growing market for smart cities, according to the report.
Roughly 85 percent of the 235 projects are focused on issues related to energy, transportation, or government.
